Artist Interview // YUMI SAKUGAWA

Yumi Sakugawa is an Ignatz Awards nominated comic book artist. A graduate from the fine art program of University of California, Los Angeles, she lives in Los Angeles. Her comics have also appeared in The Believer, Bitch, the Best American Non­Required Reading 2014, The Rumpus, Folio, Fjords Review, and other publications.

Self portrait courtesy of the artist.

Yumi Sakugawa is one of the artists in the Journey-scapes art exhibition at the Gene Siskel in conjunction with the FAAIM 21st Annual Asian American Showcase April 1st through 14th, 2016. We asked her a few questions about her work and artistic journey!

I am in the midst of completing a fully illustrated, DIY lifestyle guide to young women that should be coming out in bookstores next year. I am also working on a multimedia installation that will be on display at the Smithsonian for a 3-day pop-up art event in celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month. Also, a few secret projects involving the singularity, the creative process, toxic female friendships and cults.

Images courtesy of the artist.

How would you describe your artistic journey?

I feel like my artistic journey truly began on a deeper level when I discovered meditation and mindfulness practice eight years ago. Mindfulness is about embracing the present moment and celebrating what is now, who you are now. Every year is distilling myself into a more concentrated version of my true authentic spirit. Every year I am delighted and surprised by the new layers I keep discovering within myself, and the new voices I get to share with the world. The more I discover new things about myself, the more attuned I feel to a higher wisdom that is guiding me along where I need to be right here and right now.